1992 Isuzu Rodeo Problems
- Complaints
- 80filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 145,767miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 15 mpgcombined, 3.1L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission trouble: a warning light that comes and goes, fluid leaks, repeat replacements and, in some reports, smoke or fire shortly after the light appears. A second cluster describes fires starting under the hood or underneath the vehicle, and a third describes rear axle or wheel failures that happened suddenly at highway speed. The remaining reports mostly concern brake shudder, a pedal that sinks toward the floor, and high-mileage engine oil leaks.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission warning light, leaks and failures
- 13 complaints (16%)
- median 147,534 mi at 12.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2004
Complaints describe the transmission warning light coming on intermittently, sometimes followed by smoke or flames from the underside of the truck. Several owners report fluid leaking from the transmission onto hot exhaust parts, with a worn seal identified in at least one case, and one owner describes replacing the transmission repeatedly in a single year with the control module also failing. Others report the vehicle popping out of gear while driving, and shops either could not reproduce the problem or attributed it to something other than the transmission. Mileage is recorded in only a few of these complaints, where it was around 145,000 miles, so reports come from well-used, high-mileage vehicles.
What to check: Ask for transmission service records and whether the fluid, seals and dipstick area have been checked for leaks that could reach the exhaust. On a test drive, watch for the warning light and for any slipping, harsh shifting or popping out of gear.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Studs have been stripped several times and been replaced. This happens when tires are changed or rotated. This is a costly and a reoccuring problem. The transmission light has been a continuous problem. It has been serviced before and now it is reoccurring and repair costs $390.”
NHTSA complaint #710643, filed 1999-08“Vehicle caught fire under the hood . Fire was caused by wiring harness. Also, a mechanic inspected vehicle, and found thattransmission had a leak over exhaust in july that caused a fire underneath vehicle. Transmission seal was worn out and caused the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #873102, filed 2000-10 - Electrical system
Engine compartment and underbody fires
- 18 complaints (23%)
- typically at 6.3 yrs old
- 15 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2002
Complaints describe fires starting under the hood or from underneath the vehicle, in some cases while driving and in others after the truck had been parked for a couple of hours. One owner reports a fire that returned after the dealer had serviced the vehicle, and another reports that the fire department attributed the blaze to electrical origins. A further report links a wiring harness and transmission fluid reaching the exhaust to separate fires. No mileage is recorded in these reports; fires were described while driving, while parked after a short trip, and in one case shortly after refueling.
What to check: Have a mechanic inspect the wiring and harness routing for chafing or repairs, and check for any fluid leaks that could drip onto hot exhaust parts. Ask directly whether the truck has had a fire or a wiring repair in the past.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The consumer was driving when the transmission light illuminated, the vehicle was towed to a shop and checked out for several hours but technicians were unable to find a problem and told the consumer the vehicle was safe to drive, while driving the vehicle began to smoke and witnesses said the saw flames coming from the bottom of the truck, the consumer pulled over and within seconds the vehicle was totally engulfed(ohio traffic crash report). Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #562261, filed 2001-07“Vehicle was parked in a mall for about 2 hours when fire came from engine compartment. Fire department said it was due to an electrical fire. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #876705, filed 2000-12 - Wheels
Rear axle and wheel detachment
- 14 complaints (18%)
- median 144,000 mi at 23.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2015
Complaints describe the rear axle breaking at the wheel bearing or snapping off while driving, in several cases followed by the vehicle rolling over. Others report a rear wheel coming off after a grinding noise from the back end, and one owner describes wheel studs that strip or bolts that crack each time the wheels are serviced. Some owners mention unusual rear-end noise in the days before the failure. Described at highway speeds of roughly 55 to 85 mph, often with little warning; mileage is rarely recorded in these complaints.
What to check: Have the rear axle, wheel bearings and wheel hardware checked for noise, play, cracked bolts or damaged studs, and ask whether the rear bearings or axle have ever been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on highway vibration occurred, a loud noise sounded and the rear left wheel came off and driver lost control, the vehicle hit medium and flipped over three times. Dealer was not contacted and is not aware of the problem. Insurance company investigating the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #828145, filed 1998-09“When driving at any speed the vehicle will pop out of gear, and bolts that hold the wheel were cracked and had to replaced. Also, there was a crack in the exhaust manifold/ rear back up lights stopped working/engine head gasket blew out, and crackshaft broke.”
NHTSA complaint #835826, filed 1999-05 - Brakes
Brake vibration and sinking pedal
- 8 complaints (10%)
- typically at 5.5 yrs old
- filed 1995–2001
Owners describe the front end shaking or vibrating heavily when braking from highway speeds, with rotors needing resurfacing or replacement about every six months. Others report the brake pedal going down to the floorboard over bumps or uneven pavement, which they say makes stopping distances longer. Some describe ABS and brake warning lights coming on intermittently, with dealers unable to find the fault. Described at highway speeds and over bumpy or uneven pavement; most of these complaints do not include a mileage reading.
What to check: Brake firmly from highway speed during the test drive and feel for shudder, and check whether the pedal stays firm over rough pavement. Ask when the rotors, pads and brake fluid were last replaced and whether the ABS light has been coming on.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When driving and upon attempting to make a stop, when there is a bump in road way, and once brake pedal is applied brake pedal goes to floorboard, causing extended stopping distance. The problem also occurs when the pavement is uneven.”
NHTSA complaint #880828, filed 2001-02“Brake problems; on any road conditions when driving 55 MPH or more and applying brakes they vibrate tremendously. Every 6 months either the rotors have to be resurfaced or changed. Still experiencing a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #815713, filed 1997-08
Buying note. This is an old, high-mileage vehicle, and the complaints concentrate on transmission condition, fires from leaks or wiring, rear axle and wheel hardware, and brakes, so a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who knows these trucks is worth the cost. Ask for service records, look for fluid leaks and wiring repairs, and expect that major transmission or axle work may still be ahead.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 35 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 80 consumer complaints for the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo. 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 145,767 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 16 a fire, 15 an injury, 3 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling13 16%
- Brakes11 14%
- Electrical system10 13%
- Seat belts9 11%
- Wheels5 6.3%
- Fuel system4 5.0%
- Steering4 5.0%
- Suspension4 5.0%
Also reported: Tires (4), Body and structure (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Equipment (2), Exterior lighting (2), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Vehicle traveling at 60 MPH when clutch exploded. The fly wheel, plus mescellaneous clutch parts, along with parts of the transmission cover and starter were sprayed onto highway. Several of the hot parts flew into the grass, next to the highway, starting a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #541487, filed 1998-09Engine cooling: “This and other problems that have occured with this vehicle I believe would be covered under the recall for vehicles either in 1992 or 1993 recall by Isuzu or nhsta. No safety defect listed in summary.”
NHTSA complaint #726254, filed 2000-07Brakes: “While parked on slide incline experienced parking brake failure, when after applied emergency brake it disengaged then vehicle rolled down a hill, hitting a fence post, had experienced intermittent failure prior.”
NHTSA complaint #802269, filed 1996-09Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 144,000 and 147,534 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1992 Isuzu Rodeo version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo 2WD | 2.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Rodeo 2WD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Rodeo 2WD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Rodeo 4WD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Rodeo 4WD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- PE94054Rear axle failureClosed · Jul 14, 1994
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10237146May 8, 2023Other or unknown. This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The Exchange Program must be used when any Alpine radio or other component covered by this…
- 10218932Aug 30, 2022Equipment. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers…
- 10218927Aug 2, 2022Equipment. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers…
Other model years of the Isuzu Rodeo
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 39 | 67,238 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 16 | 37,000 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 101 | 85,294 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 389 | 110,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 274 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 550 | 78,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 478 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 118 | 125,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 97 | 125,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 176 | 117,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 82 | 140,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 34 | 137,068 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 80 | 145,767 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 42 | 140,460 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Isuzu Rodeo model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo?
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission trouble: a warning light that comes and goes, fluid leaks, repeat replacements and, in some reports, smoke or fire shortly after the light appears. The issues reported most often: Transmission warning light, leaks and failures; Engine compartment and underbody fires; Rear axle and wheel detachment.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo have?
NHTSA recorded 80 consumer complaints for the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 23 complaints (29% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 13.
Has the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo get?
The EPA rates the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo (Rodeo 2WD, 3.1L 6-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 14 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 145,767 miles and the middle half falls between 144,000 and 147,534 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.